After watching the iTV news just a second ago it says that Alton Towers may be forced to remove Oblivion due to complaints by the locals on the basis that: The level of noise is illegal...The resisdents have complained about the noise from Oblivions mechanical devices (lift chain) and also the scream of the riders. I personaly laughed at this and just think the whole thing is so stupid. If they dont like the noise move somewhere else, jeez its not too difficult is it. Lets face it, these people are just trying to leech money out of Alton Towers for there own personal pleasure, and i think thats just dumb.
Also putting sand in the box segments of Oblivion, to reduce the roar factor, will take away the atmosphere in the X Sector. You cant help but feel intimidated when you here the roar of the huge B&M train thunder past you into Oblivion. If the coaster did not roar, it would take away that effect. I think Alton Towers should just put a sign up over the drop saying: Please Refrain from Screaming....there problem fixed